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AN ALLEGORY: 

CONTAINING AN INTERESTING 



^r\alog7 



Between the Order for Discovering 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES 



AND 



FOUNDING CITIES, 



AND 



p^%3-^ 



The United States of America. 

PAGr21. "How President Illinois came to be elected, we suppose was in 
this wise :" " He was a great Sworci-^man, having been taught the art of fenc- 
ing by his Uncle Sam, Americus." 

Page 41. '• And the prospect of his re-election was quite good, as thousands 
upon thousands of officeholders would work to bring this about." ' But the 
disaffected and ' Reformers ' looked about for an opponent to him, and finally 
selected Hon. Mr. Tribune, whose whole life had been a labor of love for the 
human race, as their standard bearer." 



FOB SALE AT AGENTS : No. U9 Coat es Street, Phila. 
Price 20 Cents. 

.. ^ /^7^ 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by J. WESLEY CLARK, 
In the OflSce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 






f 



XPLANATO 



F\Y p 



ONTENTS. 



e-^sx*-^- 



An Allegory, A Fable or Type. 

Analogy, Resemblance between Subjects or Things. 

Cave, Resemblance to American Greatness and Grandeur. 

Fishermen, Resemblance to Discoveries of America. 

Order of the Cave, Resemblance to American Citizens. 
City of Columbia, Resemblance to Settling the Country. 
Its Officers, Resemblance to President and Cabinet. 
Hon. Mr. Whale, Resemblance to Secretary of State. 



Vault, 

Gunpowder, " 

Swells, 

Interiorman, 

Informationman, 

Lawgiver, 



Secretary of Treasury. 
Secretary of War. 
Secretary of Navy. 
Secretary of Interior. 
Postmaster-General. 
Attorney-Geu eral. 



Fish Hawk Island, Resemblance to San Domingo. 



Tyranical Order, " 

Roaring Lion Order, " 

Comeouters of the Cross, " 

Hon. Mr. Solomon, " 

President Illinois, " 

Vice-President Indiana, " 

Hon. Mr. Tril)une, " 



Spain 
England. 
Ancient Church. 
Hon. Charles Sumner. 
President U. S, 
Vice-President U. S. 
Hon. H. Greely. 






^ 



CHAPTER I. 

There is a most singular cave on the Atlantic Coast, con- 
nected with which are some of the most daring adventures and 
strange stories that were ever known. 

And though the description will be meagre compared with 
its realties, yet, it will be best to present what light we can, 
hoping that from so doing the reader will be enabled to 
imagine the other untold facts. 

It was discovered in a very remarkable way, and had its dis- 
covery remained a secret, the adventures and strange trans- 
actions to be related would never have been told : while it is in 
and of itself, one of the greatest wonders in existence, and all 
connected with it, whether of adventure or romance, partakes 
of the same nature. 

Four men who had been out in an open boat fishing, about 
one mile from their 'homes, which consisted of three small 
houses, were caught in a squall, and were under the necessity 
of making for the nearest shore. They finally made for a small 
cove-like opening in the side of the mountain-like shore, think- 
ing to be free from the wind, as after entering it, the space, 
after about twenty feet, became about four times as wide as the 
entrance, which was about twenty feet wide, hence the width, 
after entering the first twenty feet, became a fine little minia- 
ture bay or cove. * 

They had often visited this place for refuge or pleasure, but 
never at any other time than about low water, at which time 
it was just deep enough for a boat to float without grounding, 
and have several feet "sea room" either side; and above their 
heads at the entrance, it was as high in comparison to the 
width after entering, as the height to the width at entering : 



then, beside a fine little cove, it was much like entering a dark 
house, for all the light was from the entrance ; and as there was 
plenty of "driftwood," they had on several occasions built a 
fire on the shore of the cove to be enabled more fully to see its 
beauties and examine its size. 

On this occasion they at once did so, thinking to make them- 
selves comfortable and happy. 

But what was their consternation to remember that the tide 
was rising as well as the wind and storm : for it commenced to 
come through the entrance like a race horse, and to as sud- 
denly rise as the squall had, extinguishing their fire. 

Securing a quantity of pitch pine, which makes a fine torch, 
for as the tide arose it shut off" the light, and as it arose far 
above the open space, it came in with a deafening roar, which 
to the now imprisoned men appeared appalling. 

One of their number was inclined to seek escape through 

diving and swimming out, but upon reflection saw that he could 

not t^o against such a current, though it would have been an 

easy feat had the tide been going out : yet they had nothing to 

fear, as the distance over head was far above the reach of high 

water, and having their boat, and being provided with torches, 

they could go on an inspection tour around the basin; and 

this they did, discovering the cave which we will now describe. 

As they rowed around, they were much surprised to find on 

one side another open space, just level with the top of their 

boat ; and it was about twenty feet wide, by about twelve feet 

high, about like the opening from the outside to the basin; 

and having plenty of time on their hands, they thought it best 

to look further. 

Landing, and taking a*long rope to secui'c the boat, giving it 
sufficient play should the tide ebb before they were through 
with their explorations, fastening it securely to an upright stone 
pillar, apparently made for the purpose, with torch in hand to 
licrht them on their way, they started forth tu explore a natural 
wonder. 

They passed through this hall-like entrance into another 



chamber : the entrance as to size, length, termination and all 
was just like the one below, excepting the water in one, and 
the stone column in the other, to which they had fastened their 
boat. 

Still going on and around, they found another entrance about 
five feet above the floor of the first; they succeeded in climb- 
ing into this, and in all particulars it was the same as the other, 
excepting the stone column ; and yet they found another, 
makino; three above the basin. 

The atmosphere was good as on the open land, had the same 
appearance in all respects, the smoke passing away as readily 
as though in open air, leading them to think that there must 
be an outlet as well as an inlet; and looking sharply they 
finally discovered an opening which they concluded led out 
above : it was like a gradual winding stairs. 

Observing that there was a draft of air so powerful that they 
could not keep their light, unless they could contrive some 
means to shut off the draft ; this they in part accomplished by 
forming of their jackets of oil cloth, a shield to the light. In this 
way they come out upon the very pinnacle of the highest land 
on all the coast for miles, and about half a mile from the shore. 

The outlet was slanting, just enough to be a comfortable 
up-hill walk, and in width and depth as the inlet below. 

Finding it now quite clear, they concluded to go to the shore 
in the vicinity of their boat, for they hardly felt like retracing 
their steps ; they knew it would be of no use to go direct, and 
also that they could not reach their boat but by swimming or 
having another boat. 

As the outlet was in a great piece of woods, and among great 
rocks, and as there were many places among them looking just 
like the land entrance to the cave, there was but little proba- 
bility of seeing or finding it without marking; this they did 
for future guidance. 

Following the direction indicated by their pocket compas-, 
they soon found themselves at home; and after refreshinsc 
themselves, and resting sufficiently long for the tide to recede, 



6 

they, taking another boat, went for the one they left, which 
they found all right; but they had to sacrifice a portion of 
their rope, as the distance from the floor above to the boat was 
more than they would like to jump; they therefore concluded 
to fasten a small piece of drift wood to the portion left, to direct 
them at any future time. 

Now, this place could be nade into anything desired — a fort, 
a palace, or a den for pirates or smugglers, or for any kind of 
good or evil purposes ; and the reader will think it was as won- 
derfully occupied as the wonderful cave required to correspond 
with itself. 

Whether those four fishermen were the first who ever entered 
this wonderful place, is unknown ; but probably they were. It 
was never any advantage to them, other than what we will now 
relate. 

In their vicinity, the population was very sparse ; and before 
they had time to gossip among their neighbors, they took a 
small lot of fish to the nearest market, which was a small city 
a few miles distant ; and while disposing of their fish, they 
mentioned their discovery to a very distinguished looking man 
in the prime of life. 

He told them to say nothing further of their discovery, and 
himself and a few friends would visit the place, for they were 
curiosity hunting, and if it aff'orded tliein enjoyment, they would 
pay them for the pleasure. 

Full arrangements were made, and next day the stranger, 
with three others, arrived in a fine pleasure boat ; and, accom- 
panied by the fishermen, they went to explore their singular 
discovery. 

Great satisfaction was expressed by the strangers upon con- 
cluding the examination of the cave ; and upon inquiry, they 
found the fishermen poor, unambitious men, as willing to gain 
a livelihood by entering the employment of others as to fish 
with and on their own hook. 

The strangers then made a bargain with them to enter their 
employment ; and the wages to be paid wore so large that they 



were anxious to conclude the agreement. Of course, the work 
was to be of that nature they could perform; but there were to 
be obligations on their part, as well as on the part of the other 
men. 

The fishermen were now informed that they were organized 
discoverers of natural curiosities, and the founders of cities ; 
that all who entered their employ became members of the order 
for discovering natural curiosities and founding cities. They 
thought this a queer name for an order ; but they concluded, 
if the name and workings of the order corresponded, that the 
cave would prove a suitable acquisition; and if their connection 
with the order proved profitable and pleasant, they would be 
content. 

Accordingly, they were informed that they must be regularly 
initiated; to this they readily complied. 

From the boat was brought a human skull, and a long pointed 
double-edged sword, having in plain letters thereon, ''the sword 
of justice." 

They were then requested to place their hand on the skull, 
and repeat the following oath : — 

"1, in remembrance of the certainty of my own mortality, do 
solemnly pledge my own life and soul, that I will keep the 
secrets of the order for the discovery of natural curiosities and 
founding of cities inviolate till death, and will hold him guiltless 
who shall pierce my heart with the sword of justice, should I 
break my oath and perjure my soul, and will raise my own 
hand to slay the guilty." 

Each one in turn took this oath, and each were handed one 
hundred dollars in gold. A password was then given them, 
which was the "sword of justice," with some further instruc- 
tions. 

After the ceremony, they were told that they might attend 
to their own business for ten days ; on the elevenih, they were 
to visit the cave in the same way as now, at the earliest hour 
in the morning that the tide would serve them ; to come without 



8 ^ 

light, and to climb up by the rope, or the best way they could. 
This day arrived, and the four men kept their appointment. 

Entering the cave on the flood tide, they sought, in the dim 
light, for the rope they had left, and they were surprised to find 
what appeared to be a vessel's shrouds ; and by them, they, 
one after the other, ascended ; and, as they passed along, they 
were greeted by a loud command to halt, which they, in still 
further surprise, did. They were then commanded to march 
in single file, ten paces apart, and give the countersign. They 
followed this order also, one after the other giving the password, 
as they had been instructed. 

And now another surprise awaited them, for at the inner ter- 
mination of the entrance, they came to a partition, a door was 
opened, and they entered the extensive hall, at the farther side 
of which a small taper was burning; they were told to cross to 
the light, and to ascend to the next hall; here they found stairs; 
wondering and amazed, they proceeded, and again were met with 
the command to halt; then to advance and give the counter- 
sign as before;- after which they were told to enter the hall of 
justice. 

They entered and were in total darkness, and in every direc- 
tion in all parts of the hall, a most singular noise met their 
ears; they were in a complete circle of curious musical sounds, 
no harmony, as all seemed to play to suit their own fancy; 
there were one hundred Jews-harps being played at once; this 
lasted about one minute, then all in the circle spoke up, saying, 
"Let justice be done." 

And, in the twinkling of an eye, the great and spacious hall 
was so brilliantly lighted, that all, the new comers especially, 
were obliged to shade their eyes from a score of great lights on 
either side; with great magnificent reflectors, the light was 
made exceedingly great. 

All was silence again for one minute, when a most gigantic 
man in a mask, with the identical sword of justice in his hand, 



approached the four men and said, " Strangers as yet to the 
sternness of the sword of justice, advance to the altar." 

Great letters forming this word were painted on a very trans- 
parent cloth, which was stretched in front of a bright light, 
clearly showing where was indicated for them to appear. 

Here, on a table, was the identical skull upon which these 
men had placed their hands when taking the oath, and the 
same giant, who was about eight feet tall, and large in propor- 
tion,' again addressed them in the following manner : 

" Place your hands on the emblem of mortality, and answer 
my questions." 

Here they all placed their hands on the skull. 

" You will answer each for himself, just as you choose." 

" Have you kept inviolate your sacred oath ? " 

He here drew the sword of justice as though in readiness to 
slay them, should they reply in the negative; but each replied, 
" I have." 

He then asked them, they still holding their hands on the 
emblem of mortality, '' Do you renew your oath ?" 

To which they all said, " I do." 

" Do you regret having entered the order for the discovery 
of natural curiosities, and founding of cities ? " 

" I do not." 

" Do you regret that you discovered this great natural curi- 
osity, the cave ?" 

" 1 do not," they each replied. 

He next said, " brothers sing," and one of the best songs, 
thought the fishermen, that they had ever heard, was sung by 
a score of voices. 

The giant then gave a sort of kick, and sent two feet or 
more of his height, with his sailor-like trowsers, half way 
across the hall ; he then removed a large padded coat and his 
mask, and then stood before the astonished men, the fine look- 



$0 

ing man wiio had first been informed of the cave; and grasp- 
ing each by the hand, the meeting was most cordial. 

Calling each by name, he introduced them as the original 
discoverers of the cave; "and in their honor," he added, "we 
will now repair to the upper banqueting hall, and spend a few 
hours." 

They then went up the next flight of stairs, and passed 
through the hall entrance, which was brilliantly lighted, to the 
spacious hall above, which was as magnificently lighted as the 
one below, and beside, it had been floored and richly carpeted 
and most elegantly furnished with all kinds of furniture that 
could be named, even to a piano, and all the luxuries that could 
be brought together. 

The halls were warmed by a large and substantial stove 
placed in the centre of the middle hall, with a large funnel 
reaching to the height of ten feet, then extending along 
to the next hall entrance, through which it passed, and through 
the next hall, and on, all the way up and out of the steep 
and winding way to the outer world, completely warming 
the second and third apartments, and all the passage way 
out. 

And to as fine a repast as could be provided, they all sat 
down ; consisting of all kinds of meat, fish and fowl, and a rare 
dessert; everything desirable that money could procure, and 
taste desire, was on the occasion in abundance. In fact, it 
was the dedication of the great, grand establishment. 

Untold gold and a hundred men could do a great deal in 
a few days, and to celebrate the occasion with conferring the 
second degree on the initiates, was very proper and calcu- 
lated to impress' the new recruits ihat the greatest oi' secret 
organizations was a stupendous reality. 

After doing justice to ihe food and injustice to their stomachs, 
they proceeded to do injustice to their heads, by freely using 
the juice of the grape and other kinds of costly drink?, and in 
story-telling with toasts and songs, they spent quite a large 
portion of the day. 



11 



CHAPTER II. 

Now we must say something more about this wonderful 
place, and will begin with the shore entrance. 

They built a huge gate for the entrance, and by two upright 
iron posts, and a cross piece at the top for a frame to the gate, 
this was securely bolted to the wall on either side, so that 
it was quite as firm as the rock itself; the gate was now hung 
on its huge hinges on the cross piece, so that it could swing in 
or out as the tide might be going. 

The gate was placed half-way within the entrance, or about 
ten feet from the outside ; it worked like magic ; on the flood- 
tide, it looked but a shallow place, not suitable for a boat, and 
the same on the ebb-tide. 

On the inside they had a powerful windlass and chain, which 
they could hook into a ring on the gate and draw it up and 
keep it open when desirable ; though, ou pressing against it very 
slightly, it yielded readily and would go with the tide, allow- 
ing the water to pass in or out as though no gate was there; 
and to finish the gate, they had the frame and all painted, and 
so disguised that it looked like the natural appearance of the 
surrounding wall, and a stranger would not observe that it was 
not a part of the mountain side. 

Inside, the space was about eighty feet, either way, being 
plenty of room for dozens of boats, both large and small ; after 
the gate was hung or put up, it was darker than ever, yet they 
had plenty of light when they required it; the shrouds were 
drawn up when not in use ; the land entrance did not require 
any disguise, though they carefully made it more difficult of 
approach. 

The three halls or separate caves, which were all connected 
by a passage-way, twenty feet wide, were now more fully pre- 
pared for occupancy. 



12 

The first was called the golden room, for here was where the 
stores were deposited, consisting of everything of value that 
could be named ; the other rooms we will more fully describe. 

The third room, or banqueting hall, was divided into various 
rooms, the cooking arrangement and a part of the sleeping 
apartments were here, while in the hall of justice were many 
cots, in fact, from the water, where dozens of boats lay, to the 
outer passage, the place was fully occupied. 

Perhaps it might be thought an unhealthy place for a dwell- 
ing, but they had pure air constantly and could have the tem- 
perature of the place to suit them ; besides they were out and 
in, not constantly confined, though it was one of the most 
healthy dwellings that existed, more so than many large houses, 
and infinitely more so than those places of human degradation, 
under-ground dwellings, and prison-like houses of the poor. 

We now see this wonderful place fixed up to suit its occu- 
pants and owners, and will now interest ourselves about the 
workings of this order. 



CHAPTER III. 

In this organization were several oflicers, whose duty it was 
to have charge of a certain department ; in this way everything 
went on like clock work ; the officers were changed as often as 
the correct working of the cause demanded, while the leader 
held his position for four years. 

The President. had about as much power as a king. 

His counsellors were talented men, seven in number, and 
each filled a distinct office, and by having all the different 
departments attended to, the prosperity of the estnlilishment 
was great. 

The four fishermen were commissioned watchmen, two to 
watch by day and two by night, and before they had been 



13 

members of the order one month, the^^ concluded that the part 
of the name of the order which came first, was a very correct 
one, for the curiosities and wonders that were brought together 
fairly surprised them. 

About the men going and coming that did not seem strange, 
for both night aud day they were ever busy. 

One day the four fishermen were requested to go out for 
fish, and were informed that Indians were about, and they 
were cautioned and told to be on their guard ; but they had no 
fears, for they were on the best of terms with them, for they had 
done them a favor once ; when their chief was wounded they 
had secreted him from other Indians, his enemies, so they had 
their friendship all right; still, it would not do to let them learn 
of the cave and the new afiairs therein, for Indians are greater 
skulking thieves than Negroes, if possible. 

But this day was an unfortunate one for them. 

They had got well out and began to fish with fine prospects, 
when they discovered three canoes of Indians at a distance, 
and fearing that they might not be the friendly ones who gen- 
erally came in that direction, though seldom any others came, 
they started for the shore, and the Indians at once gave their 
favorite war-whoop, and started in pursuit ; but our lusty fish- 
ermen had a good start, and while the Indians were yet one 
mile or more off", they plunged into their safe retreat, for for- 
tunately it was flood tide, for an hour or so. 

The four men remained just inside to hear what was the 
opinion of the savages. 

Presently they came up, and in broken English sputtered 
away after this sort : 

"Pale faces fools; scare him dreadful; go bang against rock ; 
big fools; old boat rotten ; too much ballast; go to bottom." 

They then looked about to see if they could make any dis- 
coveries of the boat or men, but failing, soon left, and our fish- 
ermen leaving their boat, hastened up through the cave, and 
running with great speed along the shore, suddenly showed 
themselves to the Indians, and, being armed with fowling pieces, 



14 

they gave them a charge of small shot, as they wished not to 
kill, but to punish and frighten them. 

But they were more frightened to see them come back from 
the bottom of the sea than by the shooting; they appeared to 
think they had charmed lives, or were devils, and as they never 
returned, it was concluded that the trick had its desired effect 
on them. 

Why this organization should admit these fishermen to their 
order looked very strange, but upon reflection, we can under- 
stand it; they needed such men; they knew of the cave, and to 
secure their silence and private possession of it, induced them 
to take this, the only wise and safe course; and having 
removed their families to the city named before, they could 
give their undivided attention to their duties. 

Who these men were, or whence they came, the fishermen 
knew not, and cared but little ; they were now members ; to go 
back they would surely perish, to continue seemed all right; 
they were certain of several things ; they possessed untold 
wealth, and they saw nothing out of the way ; the chief was an 
inveterate smoker, and seemed to be absorbed in thought while 
smoking. 

His history and name were a little odd ; he was not ashamed 
of it though ; in fact, the name of the order was singular, and 
how much the workings of the order wero in accordance with 
it they had not yet learned ; " but what is in a name ?" 

We now find this most wonderful cave occupied, it being 
completely transformed, and the order for the discovery of 
natural curiosities and founding of ciiies in complete working 
order. 

Wo will now notice several things connected with this mys- 
terious cave. 



15 



CHAPTEE IV. 

One day, at the close of the duties, the watchman saw a 
great, grand ship approaching under full sail, with three 
curious flags flying to the breeze. 

One was pure red, having the emblem of the sun ; one was 
pure white with the moon for an emblem ; while the other was 
pure blue, having the stars. 

They had noticed in the cave just such flags, and conse- 
quently thought the ship connected with the order; and when 
they came in proper distance they took in sail and cast anchor, 
and then immediately discharged, a small swivel. 

Making full report of their observations to the President, 
they were ordered to row out to the ship and take any message 
back that they might have to send ashore. 

They obeyed orders, and as they aj.proached the ship they 
were hailed and ordered alongside, and were surprised to see 
one of their own officers on board. 

He at once handed them letters to be taken back. 

And the aff'air wound up by the fishermen being ordered to 
pilot the ship in as near to the shore as possible, after which 
they and all hands on board, with all tho.se within the cave, 
manned all the boats, and made a lively time in taking to the 
shore the cargo of the ship quite as fast as it could be dis- 
charc;ed. 

It consisted of every nameable kind of goods, valuable pack- 
ages, and bales of dry goods, and everything a great establish- 
ment required. 

They were several days in effecting a full discharge, and a 
safe storage within the cave, and as they had worked both night 
and day till they had the job done, they felt like having a good 
time, and accordingly did so, for it proved that all on board the 
ship were members. 

Soon the ship left for parts unknown, at least to the fisher- 
men, which led them to think they were not fully trusted, but 



16 

they could not complain as they were from the first employed, 
and their connection was more like an honorary one. 

One day a letter was handed to one of the fishermen with 
directions to take it to Vice President Indiana. 

He was told to go one mile north, following what was called 
a spotted line, that is, trees with a piece of the bark shaved ofi" 
close enough together in a direct line, so that one could follow 
it as well as a road, and when he came to a tree having a spot 
on all four sides, he was to turn to the right and go another mile 
to the city of Columbia. 

Setting forth with his gun that he might- shoot any game he 
might happen to see, in an hour or so, he, following the spotted 
line which he did not know existed before, till he came to the 
tree spotted on either side, he then turned to the right, and 
after going about one mile he came to a settlement that he knew 
did not exist six months before this time. 

He was confounded ; it is true the houses were new, most of 
them made of logs ; and a grand location it was for a city, on 
a large river emptying into the ocean, at the mouth of which 
was as fine a bay as exists on the face of the globe, and by 
water quite a number of miles from the cave, while across by 
land it was but a short distance. 

Our fisherman began to think the name of the order a correct 
one. 

As he passed along he saw u sign which read Superintendent's 
Office, and to inquire he approached the door for that purpose, 
and found himself in the presence of the Vice President, and to 
him he delivered the letter, and soon took one in return, and 
observed the superscription was to his " Honor President 
Illinois." 

He learned two of the leaders' names and began to feel inter- 
ested about the names of the others, and he soon had an oppor- 
tunity to learn them too. 

After reporting upon Ins i-cturn, he ibuiid |)lenty lo do. 

He was informed next day that he could visit the cit}- where 
they first met the president, to take letters to several now 
absent. One of these was addressed to the Hon. Mr. Whale, 



17 

"Well," soliloquized he, " Mr. Whale would make a good 
fisherman if he chose to adopt that calling, though, perhaps he 
is one now, comparatively, he, being a Whale, lives on little 
fishes, maybe." This officer looked after the interest of the 
order away from home. 

Another was to Hon. Mr. Swells. He looked after the de- 
partment of the sea, and he too had a watery name — " Swell ot 
the sea." 

Another was Hon. Mr. Gunpowder. He looked after the 
arms and ammunition ; and it was very singular that his name 
and ofiice were so similar in meanino;. 

Hon. Mr. Interiorman was another, and he looked after the 
affairs of the great order at home. 

Hon. Mr. Lawgiver was another ; he saw that everything 
was done according to law. 

One was addressed, Hon. Mr. Infoirmationman ; whose dutv 
was to see that all letters and mail matter were duly delivered. 

Hon. Mr. Vault was another officer, making seven in all, 
beside the President and Vice President. He had charge of 
all the gold, like Judas of old, and was as great a man as any. 

The fisherman began to think that the officers of the order 
were as peculiarily named as the order. 

Arriving safely he delivered the letters, for following direc- 
tions he had no trouble in finding them ; he had seen them all 
before, but as his duties did not bring him into close business 
relation, he had not learned their names. 

Upon his return he had quite adong chat with his three old 
chums ; he had visited all their lamilies, as some one of them 
did every week, so that they all went home once a month. 

And as they usually discussed the affiiirs of the great cave, 
its management, its officers, their merits, and the probability of 
success in its various departments, just as the common people 
ever do the condition of their country, its prosperity or adver- 
sity, and also the capacity of their rulers, he delivered himself 
in this wise to his interested brother fishermen : 

" Boys, do you know that this organization of ours is destined 
3 



18 

to fill the whole earth with its glory ? " One of the others 
replied : 

"As to this organization, I do not know about that; if it 
had not been for us common fellows and our discovery of the 
cave, I guess we should not be much greater than other organi- 
zations of the world in different parts, of which we have heard 
so much ; and though it was us common men that discovered 
the foundation for this greatness, I guess we shall not be much 
better off for it after all, for though we belong to the order 
and are under all the oaths and obligations, and do all the 
watching and common work, it don't seem to benefit us much. 

" Of course we have a home, so do all the common poor of 
other orders in all parts of the world, but you see though we 
got a start at first just like the settlers in a new country, 
where are we now ? 

" Why we work night and day, and when we have paid our 
rent, which is enormous, and bought all other necessary things, 
settling once a month, it takes all we can earn to make our 
families comfortable ; and while we beat the bush others will 
catch the bird. 

"Our President, for one, will become very wealthy, you see: 
I believe that that whole cargo of goods came free of duty, but 
they don't come any cheaper to us, and I bcigin to think that 
the President and that big Whale and those others in office, 
are getting all the cream, while we poor wretches get the 
skimmed milk, and watered at that. 

" I should like to know how much the rest of the order re- 
ceives that are not office holders of the higher grade — I mean 
all hands belonging to the order — they seem to be happy men; 
they discuss the merits of everything, and have a great task in 
making the laws of the order, and seeing to everything gen- 
erally; overhauling his old Whaleship terribly, thinking that 
he don't feel so much interest to have the organization grow- 
in greatness, and true glory, as he does to make money out 
of the position he is in. 

"They think he don't throw his whole suul into the office he 



19 

fills, as they think its interests demand, and the President of 
the great cave, though elected to the greatest office in the gift 
of the order, with the expectation that he would be very ener- 
getic, seems to be satisfied to let everything go about as it may, 
thinkinsr that his officers will receive all the blame and he still 

O 

hoard up great riches. 

"Then the Hon. Mr. Vault, he is named about well enough, 
for he has charge of the great vaults of the cave, and locks up 
all the revenues that come in, and pretends that there is only 
a proper amount on hand, and therefore keeps turning every- 
thing into money for the sake of being the richest organization 
on earth. 

"But those whose duty lead them to look after the interests 
of all think that while the officers have so much gold, more 
than they can count, that the common people ought to have 
an opportunity to lay up something for themselves, too. 

" Yet the leaders cry out that there are great expenses to be 
met in founding cities, securing new curiosities, and to pay off 
other expenses of the order with the money, though what debts 
were standing against the organization were not yet due, and 
the pinching wants of the poor might be relieved by less tax- 
ation and all bills met when due, but as it was in the hearts of 
those in power to oppress the poor, this course would be thought 
excusable. 

"I tell you we four men are not all who need a change, and 
I hope that one of those men who go after the big ones will be 
elected to office in due time; then we will see better times, 

" Then while some endure all things in hope of having their 
turn in office, and others hammer away to bring around the 
joyful day of justice, we must live in hope." 

We see by this condition of things as described by the 
fishermen, that the greatest organization in the world, with the 
greatest cave on earth for a favorable development of their 
great strength and beauty, may grow or diminish. 



20 

But as there is not a person on earth without a fault, nor 
an organization without an error, and as men may grow good 
or bad, so a great organization mny become more perfect and 
its glory shine brighter, or it may imperceptibly degenerate, 
and its retrograde at last be seen ; therefore we henr the voice 
of warning, or of praise, as the case may be, for men will not 
keep silent ; we then witness a natural result. 



CHAPTEE V. 

The new city soon became a world in miniature, consisting 
of all nations and religions, and coveriner an extensive tract of 
country, and where the land entrance of the cave existed stands 
one of the greatest and most magnificent houses in all the 
country. 

It is from the foundation to the top black, consequently it is 
known as the Black House; it is very capacious, while its un- 
derground arrangements are very superior to those of any 
other. So we find everything in a prosperous condition but the 
common people. 

The President, by virtue of his ofiice, was respected and 
greeted by all as though the existence of all things depended 
upon his will ; and some thought the great organization in all 
its departments, with the flourishing condition of the great city 
of Columbia, was owing to his greatness; but others thought 
very differently. . 

Whatever the policy of the order might be in reference to 
administering its laws for the purpose of enriching itself, or by 
dealing in a sharp manner with foreigners, or unjustly taxing 
its members, the President and his officers did not allow any 
one, great or small, to attack the policy they thought best to 
adojit. Though they might be in an error, they would not allow 



21 

their position in any particular to be assailerl. The opponent 
might be superior in every sense, and capable of criticising the 
acts of the chief magistrate of the order, or his subordinates; 
such daring mm would be placed in tlie background, and all 
the opportunities wherein such fe-arless champions for tlie right 
could be of great assistance, they were over pi'evented, if pos- 
sible, for fear their influence might become too great. 

Thus things began to be quite out of joint. 

It was soon learned that the President of the order was a 
mere figure-head ; that when he was really weighed, or tested, 
that he was found very deficient. 

Whether it was his almost constant habit of smoking, that 
had changed the man, and made him very inferior, or whether 
he was always an inferior man, we cannot say; perhaps the 
organization had grown beyond his abilities — hence his inferi- 
ority was seen. How he came to be elected to the great office 
we suppose was in this wise. 

There were capable men in the order, many of whom would 
have made a good President ; but they thought best to select a 
man who might be the most available, on account of not having 
been previously engaged in meddling with the workings of the 
order, and then they could make a Lion of him, by reason of 
his great office, though he could not make the office great, — 
though, like many others, he was great in his own peculiar 
calling. 

r O 

He was a great swordsman, having been taught the art of 
fencing by his Uncle Sam., Americus. And it is best for all 
men to seek greatness in their own sphere; then they may 
excel. /And as he had been brought into notice by his greatness 
in accomplishing the defeat of a set of rascals who had estab- 
lished themselves in such an antagonistical position to the order, 
that the excitement on tlie discovery of the plot and its over- 
throw by him raised such an enthusiastic gratitude, that, in 
their haste to reward him for his good turn, promoted him to 
the great office. 

(the enthusiasm of the impulsive put him there, not his 



22 

adaptation for the office ; therefore, it was one constant struggle 
to control him in his new position/'^ 

Such a head of the order, while controlled by the greai Whale 
and other officers, would so act under their directions, they 
being all self, that the body of the membership would rebel, 
and raise their voices against the manner the order was worked, 
for avariciousness appeared to be one of the ruling passions of 
the managing department. 

Hence, ships were sent abroad to fetch back stores, while 
officers were appointed to visit all the people throughout the 
city of Columbia, to gather tithes from all ; so that the rich, 
feeling oppressed, would make the poor pay double the rent 
and double prices for all kinds of necessaries of life. Such ex- 
tortion caused the people to cry aloud for reform, they feeling 
that, had the head of the order stood up for the rights of the 
people, that this state of things could not have come to pass. 

Crushing the poor, and enriching a few, was wrong policy. 
Raising up the poor, by having all things equal, as they used 
to, was a better one. 

"What made it so very distressing, was the President's unwise 
use of his almost monarchical power. 

He had very much changed since his election to office. He 
had been taught in. his youth that those in authority were like 
a general of an army, his own opinion being the correct guide, 
and independent of the people he would have his own way. 

This idea he had still, and thought to carry it out. It was 
a pity that his Uncle Sara., Americus, taught him in this way, 
for it made him like a balky horse or mule, though the most 
contrary beast will go when they want to. So he was ever 
ready for any enterprise that met his views; but if anything 
was proposed that did not, or had no interest for him, he would 
smoke away, puff! puff! and let them talk on, and fret away. 
As they could not act without him, he was bound to have his 
way so long as he was in power; for when his term of office 
expired, he might, or he might not, be re-elected. But as he 
had become wealthy, it was not so important on his own 



23 

account, yet anxiety, like excitement, is a condition of mind 
that may pass from one to another. 

Consequently, those selfish intriguing office-holders were 
anxious to have him re-elected, for tliey too wished to make a 
fortune; and they were aware, that should some one be elected 
to the Presidency from the number of those who were so clamo- 
rous for justice, that they would have a poor prospect of re- 
appointment to office; hence President and counsellors became 
anxious for his re-election. / 

This subject now became the every day topic, and all argu- 
ments, bv both those in favor of conducting; the order on the 
same principles for four years more, and those who desired a 
change, tliat could be brought forward, were so constantly 
agitated, that they were all learned by heart. 



CHAPTER VI. 

About this time other orders of very distinct laws and man- 
ac;ement of their internal affairs, were unfortunate enou<;h to 
become involved in the affairs of the order for the discovery of 
curiosities and founding cities, and the President and his ad- 
visers were perplexed in managing the difficulty. 

It had ever been the rule of the various orders, for each one 
to mind his own affiiirs; and if they did not, to so hold them 
up to public scorn, that they would be ashamed of their acts, 
and soon seek reconciliation, for though distinct orders, it was 
no reason one should say, " we are right, and you are wrong," 
for it is often the case that all are both right and wrong in 
some respects. 

But the President and his officers appeared to think that in 
all things, money was the object, hence, to settle any affair that 
did not prove to their advantage, might as well rem.ain un- 
settled. 



24 

So, at this time, it was constant turmoil without, and great 
dissatisfaction within, the cave. 

The time had now come that it would be safe to allow all 
who wished to visit this wonderful part of creation to do so. 

Great was the wonder of all, when they beheld the natural 
grandeur of the cave, and vast hoards of wealth in every con- 
ceivable form; showing clearly the ability of the President to 
live in his present style. 

He lived like a prince, and his fine cquippage might be 
coveted by a king. 

Who earned all this? 

The fact was, the order knew no more about its funds, than 
though there were none. We will listen to the fishermen as 
they again express their minds. 

" .Boys, I'.ow much do you suppose I have .saved the past few 
years, since we joined the order?" 

They re[ilied, " Not much I guess, with your f;\mily of wife 
and nine children." 

" Well, boys, as I live, 1 have not saved one dollar ; we have 
just lived; my rent is so high, and all kinds of provisions, that 
when we pay off all the bills, I am just where I was when I 
used to fisli for a living. I think we would have been wiser, if 
we had S"Ciired a share of the profits. 1 shall go in for a change 
at any rate, so long as I can vote." 

To this they all heartily agreed, and each replied that their 
comrade had told their own story. 

One of them remarked, " I think it strange that the Presi- 
dent and his counsellors have such an influence with so large 
a portion of the order." 

"Kot in the least," exclaimed anothor, " you see, some one or 
more of the order are relatives to those men in office, so they, 
who are in power, and called the 'insidei-s,' because they con- 
trol the money and all the offices, and administer the whole 
affiiirs of the great cave, have everything their own way; from 



26 

the hio-hest to the lowest, all work tosrether, and so make the 
largest part of the order. /y/?^ / /l'--'^ 

" But if all who do noi desire ar^' benefit from the finances, 
are as many in proportion beyond our acquaintance, as there 
are within our knowledge, I would not wonder, if we rally every 
man, we succeeded in efiecting a change in the administration 
of our afiairs. 

" There is one thing about it, as all are permitted to see the 
inside of the cave, I think the ladies, in particular, will see 
where the great wealth of the order is, how it has been used, 
and how it will be likely to be, if there is not a change. 

"Well, boys, I am determined to invite my wife and nine 
children over here next week, when I go home, and I advise 
you to do the same; there is nothing like enliglitening the peo- 
ple, and the women will be better than a newspaper to spread 
the real truth broadcast over all sections. 

"And when the women of our members see the great riches 
of our chief and his officers, and realize how short a time they 
have been in securing their wealth, they then will see why we 
all have been compelled to pay double price for every article we 
have consumed, though it is pretended that we owe other orders 
large sums of money, and that we owe debts of honor, which is 
all pretence, that they may have an excuse to use extortion." 

The very next week various common people saw for them- 
selves that while they had been groaning with poverty's pinch- 
ing want, others were groaning under the load of hoarded 
wealth, fretting tor fear of thieves, and seeking new avenues to 
spend money, or to put it at interest in new ways. 

One old lady exclaimed : " Why, I declare, when our Presi- 
dent was first elected to ofiice he was as poor as a poor fisher- 
man, and now he is as rich as a king." 

" I don't wonder that while he, with his family, can live in 
such grandeur, having the great Black House to live in, all free, 
and we have to pay such rent, that it shows the cause for such 
a contrast. 

" I guess if he would take my husband's place, and his wife 
4 



26 

my place, that they would very soon wish a chancre in the ad- 
ministration of the order; I wonder the men endure it; I know 
we women would not if we could vote ; and I am certain that to 
see the organization in such a condition is enough to drive any 
lady of just indignation to any extreme that might have a ten- 
dency to bring the high down and to bring up the crushed. 

"Why I have known of as fine families as our chief's, 
or as they ever were or ever will be, who have been so em- 
barrassed financially that they have been compelled to go to 
the dispensary for medical advice, though hitherto having a 
plenty, and all because our chief and his counsellors make it 
impossible to live in comfort." 

Now, these were the common people, and they concluded 
that why the President v^^as so highly pleased with the cave in 
the first place was that it would make a grand place for him to 
hoard up riches, and to retain this office another term of four years, 
he could use a great' fortune to influence votes, and then have 
plenty left, though it would look a little weak to have to resort 
to such means, yet it would be better than to be defeated, and all 
his counsellors, with a promise that they shoiild remain in ofiice, 
would do all in their power, for, while working for him, liiey 
were working for themselves ; and the same arrangement was 
also made with all the minor officeholders. 

Though it would be a little risky to buy votes, yet a present 
to a man would make him feel as though he could not vote 
against such a friend any more than though he held an oflSce. 

He would very much dislike to make a fight and then fail, 
and as the time approached he thought it best to use a liltlr 
strategy to secure, his re-election. 

Accordingly he made a bluster about the high rates of tax- 
ation, as though he was in favor of a repeal of those obnoxious 
and severe measures so oppressive to the people, while it was 
privately understood that no material change must be made. 



2V 

Then the people would think he saw the importance of a 
change for their benefit, so give him their support again. 

This apparently was the course lie was taking, and it might 
have done very well had not the ladies in every direction taken 
up the subject, and so clamored for justice that the men gen- 
erally found that if for no other than to appease their " women 
folks," that they would be compelled to vote for a change. 

Hence we see, that though the women cannot vote, that they 
control the polls, and therefore the destinies of the order and 
the future occupancy of the Black House, and the great cave, 
for storing riches, were to be disposed of indirectly by them. 

But if any one thought that the stupid, indifferent chief of 
the cave was not sufi&cient to the occasion, they " reckoned 
without their host." 

While others were anxious, he would pufF, pufF, at his " long 
nine," and study out what could not be arrived at in haste. 

" Nothing like indifference to the turmoil of the common 
people" he would say ; yet he kept himself well prepared for 
anything favorable that might "turn up." 

He was crafty as well as a great smoker. 

There were men in the order that were as much superior in 
abilities to him in every respect as a learned statesman is to an 
ignorant, self-willed, old fogy Chinaman. 

And it was of vast importance to his interests that such men 
be snubbed in their own aspirations and zeal for the welfare of 
the order. 

Several of these men were the projectors and theestablishers 
and developers of the great, grand order, and stood in about 
equal importance to the general order as the first discoverers of 
the cave. 

Hence, while they were at work hammering away trying to 
modify laws and bring about a favorable change for the general 
good, they had the respect, love, and influence of the common 
people. 

Therefore, for the party in power to succeed, it was import- 
ant that these should be shorn of their strength. 



28 

To effect this, they were charged with all kinds of short- 
comings and deviations from the correct course good and true 
members should follow ; consequently, whenever important en- 
terprises that involved the interests of all were under con- 
sideration, and upon which all had a right to express their 
mind, these men were so crowded and insulted by being called 
to order in debate, or refused the opportunity to act on the 
subject under discussion as referees, or insinuations expressed 
as to their real object in taking the stand they would, they had 
but a poor opportunity to throw their whole strength into the 
cause of general good. 

But the subtle old smoker did not think it best to stop here. 

Though they were brothers of the same order, and sworn to 
be faithful to the secrets of the order, and were under the 
same constitution and laws, yet the same door to promotion 
being open to all, it followed, of course, that they had a right, 
both moral and legal, to do the best they could in accomplish- 
ing their object — the election of their favorite; and had they 
only thus far gone, it would have been better. 

But unscrupulous men will resort to any means to accom- 
plish their object, for it is a well-known fact that if a man may 
act wrong in one particular, so he may in others, and feel as 
well satisfied with himself as when using dishonest means for 
his own aggrandizement; in other respects, then, he who would 
crush the poor to enrich himself in money or a great name, will 
do anything else to gain that object upon which he has cast his 
whole soul. 

What a misfortune to this great order that its chief did not 
remain where he bore an honored name and was beloved by all, 
for though a large portion held him in high esteem for his 
office sake, quite as many now scorned his present career and 
as greatly desired a change or the close of his term of office, as 
they had been to promote him to it. 

And it will hardly be credited that very unscrupulous means 
were resorted to to accomplish the ruin of other.- that he 
raisht succeed. 



29 



CHAPTER VII. 

There was one champion of the oppressed and downtrodden 
named Solomon, and he was rightly named, though perhaps not 
so wise as Solomon of old, yet he could be called a second 
Solomon with propriety. This man thought more of the 
general good of the order than he did of his personal advan- 
tage or the benefit of a few. 

It was important that he should become powerless or a change 
in the government of the order would be certain. 

One day the chief addressed one of the fishermen in a rather 
more social way than is common for such men, and said : 

" I wish you would find another cave like this one, except- 
ing the outlet, though I would like to have one that could be 
closed up with a gate or heavy door. 

"And I wish it known only to the discoverers ; and as you 
had such good fortune in finding this one, I conclude you have 
a faculty for such an undertaking. I will procure you and 
your comrades a furlough for a week, that you may make the 
eflfort ; and if you are lucky in the attempt, I will give you each 
a fine house in the new city, though its existence to all others 
but those I choose to inform must remain a secret. 

" Now, if on these conditions you will |act, let me know to- 
morrow." 

He then shook hands for the second time as he left, just as 
interested great men are wont to do about election time with 
the common people. 

The proposition was fully discussed that evening by the four 
men, and they concluded that they would undertake the enter- 
prise, as it was honorable, and, if successful, would prove to 
their advantage. 

They did not know what such a cave was wanted for, but 
concluded for secret party caucusing. 



30 

But they reported to his chieftainship that they would make 
the effort ; they could but fail. 

" Now," said the great smoker, as he blew the puffs of smoke 
Away, "you must remember your oath." 

" Remember our oath; what oath, your excellency ?" 

"Why your oath to hold inviolate the secrets of the order 
of which you are members." 

"As to that, most certainly, though we did not know that 
this affair was a secret of the order." 

" I pronounce it so ; am I not the chief? Do I not represent 
the order ? " 

"All right, your honor ; we will remember and obey." 

" Now, boys," said the leader of the four — he always thus 
addressed them — " I supposed it was a secret of our Chief 
Magistrate. At any rate, I so understood him yesterday, as 
none were to know of it but those he chose to inform ; I, thinking 
it wanted for a sort of private room for preparing the work to 
be done during the campaign ; and he now tells us that it is a 
secret of the order. Then, of course, it as much belongs to one 
as another of our members; and as no oath requires us to keep 
secret what belongs to the general order, like anything else 
holden in common, we can take counsel in reference to it, if we 
choose, though, if we succeeded, the cave, it seems, was to be 
appropriated by the President's chosen ones, like other things." 

" But we will start on our voyage of discovery, and act in 
accordance with our own inclinations." 

They set forth, and after visiting every high rocky shore, 
and many islands, they found just the place they wanted, 
though different from the other. 

It was on an island of considerable size, densely wooded, 
while the small growth and vines, with "under-brush," made 
progress almost impossible. 

A large bird named Fish Hawk completely covered the trees 
with their nests ; on some of the trees every branch had one or 
more. 

Hundreds and thousands of these large birds swarmed the 



31 

entire island, giving to the place one of the most forsaken spots 
on earth, so far as human existence goes; and in climbing over 
rocks and through almost impregnable thickets, frightening 
clouds of birds, while thousands of half-fledged ones stretched 
their long necks and tottering long legs, to see the cause of so 
great a fuss among the old ones, they came to a curious opening 
in the side of the hill. 

It was sufficiently large to allow all four to walk abreast for 
ten or twelve paces, after which it was about wide enough for 
two, for about the same distance ; it then extended in all direc- 
tions about one hundred feet. 

Concluding it just the place they needed, as its advantages 
were that it was high and dry, and about ten rods from the 
shore, and also from the wild appearance of the place, seldom, 
if ever, visited ; — they took a chart of it rudely drawn, so that 
its whereabouts could be easih' found among the various islands, 
though the numerous birds would be a good guide, as this island 
alone appeared to be appropriated by them, no others containing 
any. They returned to report. 

Though they were very jubilant over their discovery, in an- 
ticipation of the good fortune to them, yet they were sorely 
puzzled about its belonging to the order, if the order wore to 
know nothing about it. 

Their spokesman again expressed himself: 

" I wish the honorable Mr. Solomon had been at home before 
we started, for he would have explained all the particulars to 
us, for he is not so reticent as our Chief. 

" But, as it is, we will go to him about it, if we feel a doubt 
about our promised houses; perhaps, too, he will yet explain 
why the order needs another cave. Maybe they intend to have 
it for a private storehouse." 

Thus talking, as folks will, about everything they don't un- 
derstand more than those things they can fathom, they arrived ; 
and the leader repaired to the Executive presence, to lay before 
his Honor their success. 

He made the report, as we have seen it, and was thanked and 



32 

told tbnt all the deeds should be made out the next day, and 
cautioned him about its being known. 

While their friend was absent, the Hon. Mr. Solomon hap- 
pened to pass that way, and being on social terms with them, 
he accosted them, and inquired after their comrade, and was 
informed of his errand to the Chief, with all the particulars of 
the agreement, their good fortune, with a full and complete 
description of the island. And as they were the original dis- 
coverers of the island cave, they were the legitimate owners, as 
they had been of the great cave now belonging to their order. 

He was very much surprised at the Prd^sident's freak, and 
could see no sense in such a purchase ; and had the scheme been 
introducod into public meeting of the order, he would have in- 
quired into the propriety of it, and that he should offer four 
houses belonging to the general organization for an island of 
wild trees and thousands of Fish Hawks, only because it con- 
tained a cave, was as much a riddle to him as ever old Bible 
Solomon found to puzzle him, and to see through it he would 
renlly need the wisdom of his old namesake. 

Kow the "pet scheme of the President" was a one-sided 
affair, and a little underhanded, though his reasons for gainint; 
posschsion of this worthless spot were to be learned to the regret 
of those who stood in his way. 

He took rather too much on hiin.-<»_'lf when he undertook the 
scheme of buying this little island. 

It was the cave he wanted, and he had saved enough to buy 
the (to him) wonderful place, and more too. 

But he intended to pay out of the funds as though he was 
"all in all." Perhaps he wanted the place, that he might set 
up a new order when he should find himself out of office ; and 
peihaps he did not. 

But the su'DJect v.'as brought up at the next general meeting, 
and a more surprised man than his excellency never lived to 
find his action in the premises criticized, and completely over- 
thrown by the Hon. Mr. Solomon. 

Let his intention be what it might, he felt so much chagrin 



33 

at his failure, that he resolved to seek revenge on his opponents, 
though he knew that Mr. Solomon had the general good at 
heart, yet he had no right, thought his greatness, to cross his 
path; and to remove him was now as great a desire as to possess 
the Island, for he considered him a dangerous rival iu the order, 
as he was a great man, and, should he be elected to the highest 
office, he would make it greater still in dignity by his own 
greatness; he was a statesman understanding all things per- 
taining to any position he might occupy. 

The President determined to carry out his first plan, and 
again sent for the fisherman, and stated to him that he would 
like to visit the Island, with some friends. 

Accordingly they made a trip to the Island, and the enor- 
mous number of birds so very much surprised the President, 
that he took another segar, and lighting it took a seat on a 
mossy bowlder for a smoke, the others following his example, 
so far as sitting down ; and there this great man sat absorbed 
apparently in observing the great flock of Fish Hawks. 

After smoking three segars, he arose and expressed a wish 
to proceed. 

They now entered the cave, and finding it satisfactory, he 
expressed himself in this style : 

" I have been admiring the very fine prospect, and lively 
view (referring to the birds) obtained on this Island of the 
sea; and the cave suits, while its surroundings and location 
are more than grand; it borders on the Divine, as the innu- 
merable birds are like a great cloud of witnesses to the exist- 
ence of man." 

The Fish Hawks were verv much disgusted at being intruded 
upon ; for they always appropriate an Island in this manner 
till disturbed by man, though sometimes they will seek a lone 
tree. 

Off" the coast of Maine is an Island answering the above dis- 
cription fully, excepting the cave. 

They returned from their private trip, and as the subject 
had been discussed, but not settled, it was thought best to 
5 



34 

make a great effort, as a failure at last could not be looked 
upon by the opponents in any worse light than now. 

Accordingly, a committee, who would report favorably, was 
selected to visit the island, and though Mr. Solomon had given 
a full and correct description, yet this committee portrayed its 
beauties and advantages to such a degree that for a season the 
indications were that the island would become an appendage 
of the great cave. 

The reason why it was desirable that the order should buy 
the island was, the order would be responsible for whatever 
disposition was made of it; and though it might be devoted to 
some purpose foreign to what they might have anticipated, 
yet the President would be blameless. 

The President again expressed himself to his counsellorrf in 
this wise : 

" I believe that island a good place for offenders, and who- 
ever might be unfortunate enough to be so wicked as to get a 
home there, would be very fortunate to have so grand a view 
of seeing the great flock of birds, and it would remind them 
of the sweet days of liberty and lead to repentance, so that 
when their days of exile were over they would be well pre- 
pared to return to their allegiance, and it would be a fitting 
place for that crooked stick who opposed its purchase, and if I 
can get him there, I certainly shall." 

This opponent was "splendid" in personal appearance, and 
a great orator ; he had the hearts of the common people gen- 
erally, and he might be in the way of the President's re-election. 
Therefore all those means that could be resorted to to break 
him down in public estimation would be, and every effort made 
to place him in that position where he would be powerless, and 
if he could banish him to this island he would be out of the 
way fully. 

But for all tlie great efforts to secure the island, it wa.s lost 
to the order. 



35 



CHAPTEK VIII. 

The troubles of this organization had but just begun. 

Having a man for their chief who had been educated by his 
Uncle Sam Americus in the art of fencing, was not what they 
needed. 

Ever so good a swordsman may not be suitable for a con- 
trolling and civil head. 

Disputes are very unpleasant in any form and under any 
circumstances, and, as before mentioned, several orders very 
similar to the order for the discovery of natural curiosities 
and founding cities, though not having so fine a cave, had 
broken the international-like laws governing all independent 
orders, and the leading men of the order, and all the common 
people cried aloud to have justice done. 

But the President feared, it is presumed, that though he 
had won great renown as the leading swordsman in the art of 
fencing, and had acquitted himself so satisfactory as to be en- 
thusiastically promoted, would not like to loose that great name 
gained, as he might if he again stepped to the front ; he also 
knew there was more money in his present course, and as all 
his counsellors shared in the money, of course nothing would 
be done. 

But this management brought out all the strength of Mr. 
Solomon and a large number of like stamp, while the people 
called loudly for a change in the departments of Mr, Whale 
and Mr. Gunpowder. 

But all the satisfaction they got was smoke, smoke, till the 
President might as well have been an Opium eater or smoker 
as to so completely make himself oblivious to all these tilings 
by such an intemperate use of the "long nine." 

The causes of dissatisfaction with one of these orders were 
various. 



36 

One was they had got to quarrelling among themselves, and 
every form of brutality that could be practiced upon the dis- 
satisfied was put in practice; it was a distinct branch of this 
old and tyranical order that had become weary of its op- 
pressive power. 

They made overbearing and cruel laws, and so overtaxed 
the discontented portion that they had become desirous to 
set up for themselves, inasmuch as a separate order would 
be less expensive and under their own control, having a new 
and better code of laws, like grown-up children starting out 
and making a home of their own. 

But no, they must remain for the sake of the revenue 
brought to their old home by oppression. 

Honorable men of other orders looking on in sympathy, 
and witnessing all kinds of wrong, would seek to render 
assistance to the oppressed, though the least friendly feeling 
shown by such was snubbed by this oppressive order, and 
lest assistance might reach the now frantic and oppressed, 
there were various great ships of war and innumerable armed 
men on the alert to prevent any such demonstration. 

And as some of the ships of the order for the discovery of 
natural curiosities and founding of cities, sought as usual to 
carry on a legitimate traffic, these oppressive old fogies insulted 
them in every possible way, and though the Hon. Mr. Swells, 
who had charge of the Department of the Sea, called the atten- 
tion of the President to it, nothing was done, and though insult 
upon insult was given to members of the order, imprisoning 
some and confiscating their property, and killing others, yet no 
effort was made to prevent it. 

Is it a wonder that the people called for a change, and cheered 
on their champion, Mr. Solomon? 

The Chief could ill atford to lose his renown as a swords- 
man : he wa.s unpopular enough now, besides the Hon. Mr. 
Whale, who had charge of the foreign afi'airs of the Govern- 
ment, positively declared that more money could be secured 



37 

by letting things alone, than interfering and asserting their 
rights. 

Other important affairs now agitated the order. 

There was an immense sum of money to be paid to them by 
an ancient order named the Roaring Lion. 

The name was taken from the king of beasts, and suggested 
by the comparison made by the Evil One and the Lion, as both 
are represented as going about seeking whom they may devour, 
it clearly suggested this name as characteristic of this old 
order. 

The Bearing Lion order had become involved in aiding and 
abetting those rascals who had been discomfitted and brought 
to naught by the greatest of swordsmen, who subsequently had 
been promoted in the order, and they were now informed of 
the immense sum of money they must pay to settle the expense 
their meddling had caused, while it would punish them quite 
properly, and lead them to see that other's rights must be 
respected. 



CHAPTER IX. 

It was soon to be decided whether the present incumbent 
should be re-elected to the presidency, or that some other more 
suitable man should be, and so have the Black House, with all 
its privileges and honors, as the great smoking swordsman 
President had for tlie last four years. 

It was very desirable on the part of all in office to remain 
another term of four years, as the great money times by the 
agreement of the Roaring Lion order, would make very desira- 
ble a position of trust and power. 

And as the greatest of smoking Presidents had promised all 
officers, both great and small, that they should remain in office 



38 

if be was re-elected, but little else could be attended to besides 
those affairs whicli would be of advantage to them. 

Though the law allowed a re-election at present, yet, Mr. 
Solomon and others were endeavoring to make a law changing 
this, believing that it would put a stop to corruption, and, of 
course, have a tendency to purify the order ; this was another 
reason why the President did not much like this man. 

If he had only waited till he had been in office a second term, 
as others had been, he thinking himself entitled to the compli- 
ment, yet, fearing he might not be, he was ready to join hands 
with any party that could turn the scale in his favor. 

Amid all this turmoil and strife, there were various men 
mentioned as suitable ones for the great and honorable position 
as Commander-in-Chief of all the land and naval forces of the 
order. 

There were various qualifications important to be eligible to 
the office ; lacking any one of these prevented the otherwise 
qualified individual from becoming the President. 

One of these requirements was, that his father must have 
been a member of the order at the time of the candidate's birth. 

Now our long-headed President would smoke and think, 
then think and smoke. 

■ In his cogitations he would scan the condition of the civilized 
world, and most vividly the state of a very ancient order, called 
Comeouters of the Cross, came before his mind's eye, and if 
that ancient European order could be induced to come to the 
vicinity of the great Cave, and the two orders unite in electing 
him, then foes within and without would be powerless. 

A great many of this ancient order had already united with 
the order of the Cave. 

We will glance at this ancient dilapidated order. 

It was more than eighteen hundred years old, and its name 
was derived from its founder, because he came out from the 
wicked world and lived a good life, and ever since a faithful 
successor has been elected to fill the office as head of the order, 
retaining the office for his lifetime, being a great contrast to 



39 

the length of the term of the head of the order for seeking 
curiosities and founding cities. 

Now the great head of this ancient Order of the Comeouters 
of the Cross was a very old man, and soon he must go the way 
of all the earth, and furthermore ungodly and worldly orders 
had caused him a great deal of trouble, fairly shaking his do- 
minions from centre to circumference, and causing the now 
aged head to feel anxious to seek a new locality for his waning 
power. ^ 

He was confidently informed that if he would establish his 
order in the vicinity of the great cave, that all should be done 
for him during his Hfetime that was consistent for distinct and 
friendly orders to do (perhaps the President had the Fish Hawk 
Island in view, in part for his safe retreat from worldly care). 

Let that be as it may, he was informed that his successor 
could be selected from the native born persons comprising the 
great order of the cave, as there were many talented and fully 
competent men who were Comeouters of the Cross, and now be- 
longed to the order. 

After which he could be elected to the Presidency of the 
order for seeking curiosities and founding cities, also, as he 
would be eligible to fill this office. 

The President thought that as he had been elected on ac- 
count of his good fortune as a swordsman, that the people would 
be as likely to make a choice from any other of the walks of 
life, and an ecclesiastical profession would be as unobjection- 
able to the order as a choice from the profession of arms. With- 
out doubt it would prove a wiser choice, as the mode of govern- 
ing among the Comeouters of the Cross was altogether by moral 
suasion, and not by sword and bayonet, using the language 
" Come, we will do to others as we would they should do unto' 
us," leading the order in the path of love and peace, and though 
the contrast would be very great from the present policy, yet 
a contrast, though great, is often beneficial. 

Then, after "ruling with a rod of iron" four years more, the 
President would be quite willing to retire in favor of one who 



40 

might know as little about statesmanship as himself; then his 
successor in office would not excel him in a wiser discharge of 
duty ; for one so selfish would prefer a successor with whom 
the order might become as much disgusted as a large portion 
were with him. 

This commanding all to obey, whether right or wrong, till 
the people would appeal to law for protection, was a condition 
of things verv undesirable, and to continue such a po.icy by 
re-election o^' the great smoking swordsman was to say that the 
sword and gun should rule, and not law and order. 

It was true that a chief so fall of self, and a desire for the 
aggrandizement of all his poor relations, as to seek them out, 
that he might put them in a position in the order, where they 
too could improve their condition, and not hereafter be a dis- 
grace to him, or pensioners upon his bounty, would also receive 
gifts from the rich, rewarding them with that class of offices 
which would enable them to doubly save enough to m.ake up 
for the gift made to the President, beside the salary and honor. 
We learn by this that after all the poor relations are provided 
for, those who desire an office must be either able to make a 
present which would be equivalent to buying it, or they must 
be so influential in the order that a position of eminence would 
make them an advantage to the party in power. Kelatives, 
with the rich and influential, then, were the ones eligible to 
office. 

But the prospect of his re-election was quite good. Thous- 
ands upon thousands of office-holders of the minor class, with 
those holding great ones, would work day and night to bring 
about this. 

Though the President might meet with the fate of the frog, 
who thought to swell himself up to the size of the ox, and burst, 
yet he would not take warning from the common people, .but in 
various ways show his superiority to them. 

How singular that after the common people had elected him 
as a poor, though fortunate, swordsman, that he should take 
great delight in magnifying his superiority to them in various 



41 

ways ; though many thought his good fortune like the luck of 
the miner who finds a big lump of gold, yet is not superior in 
any respect to his fellow miners. 

One of the most common modes of convincing them that he 
was a superior piece of human flesh, was to spend much of his 
time in recreation at popular places of resort of the aristocracy. 

At no time would he feel his greatness more than when 
riding like a king, with his two great colored slaves and a team 
of the most valuable horses in the world and his golden chariot, 
puffing himself into oblivion with his ,long nine, so far as the 
interests of his office might affect him. 

Now, is it to be thought that those who had taken him from 
their own level, and promoted him to office, thinking he would 
still be a warm-hearted equal in the journey of life, that they 
would feel satisfied with his magnificent display of his superioity 
to them ? Nay, verily. 

To his cost, he found too late, that his policy in all things 
had been a blunder, — a sad failure at last. 

Still, thase in office, and others equally interested, sought 
again to bring him before the people, while the disaffected, 
with equal zeal for reform in governing the order, looked about 
among the numerous worthy and able statesmen for an opponent 
to him, and here they found i gr^at difficulty, for many quali- 
fied men who saw the President lacked statesmanship, united 
in heart and head to move the people '>o seek, reform. Finally, 
they selected a standard-bearer as an opponent, who had been 
as much superior in bringing into the present glorious existence, 
and its continuance in power the gr-^at order of the cave, to the 
present chief, as the pen is mightier than the sword. His 
name was odd, corresponding with everything else connected 
with the order : It was Tribune. 

As the President has been described, a description of Hon. 
Mr. Tribune will be proper and interesting. 

In personal appearance, he was about as interesting looking 
man as could be found. When you first look him in the face, 
you at once are reminded of the full moon. Great, grand, noble 
6 



42 

and mild. His talents were of the first order. None could 
say he was inferior in any of those great abilities requisite for 
the greatest office in the order. He was also great in goodness. 
His great benevolence and great heart of love embraced all 
mankind. His whole life had been a labor of love for the 
human race. 

As the sun shines upon the moon, causing it to give light by 
night to the universal world, so the great eternal light, and 
fountain of infinite wisdom and goodness so endowed this great 
statesman, that the reflection through him to all mankind fully 
showed that he would make a President after Grod's own heart; 
ignoring self in his own aggrandizement, grasping in his arms 
of love, all, both high and low. 

This kind of President was very much needed. Ruin was 
threatened all around. Help must come, or a sadder time than 
was ever experienced woiild be the lot of the order. 

The time was soon to come when the popular vote would de- 
clare whether the present smoking swordsman should be re- 
elected, or the Hon, Mr. Tribune should be called to the high 
position he would so ably fill ; and should justice be done, the 
election would be decided in favor of reform, and a redemption 
from a condition little bettor than ruin ; and once more that 
glorious condition of the order so desirable for happiness and 
prosperity, that was once its pride and beauty, when all the 
orders of the earth looked upon it as the greatest, wisest, and 
best, would be restored. With a hope that victory will crown 
the efforts of the reformers, and they be enabled to bring once 
more the order out of chaos, and its prosperity be the greater, 
and more fully appreciated, on account of its past fiery trials, 
"we will put side and shoulder to the wheel" of reform, and 
go forward from " conquering unto conquer," till its former 
glory shines. Then we shall appreciate the restoration, and 
live happily for having done our duty, and die with the reflec- 
tion that the order is better for our having lived in it. " So 
let it be." 



AN ALLEGORY: 



CONTAININO AN I N T E R E ST I N O 



r^klogy 



Between the Order for Discovering 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES 



A N I) 



FOUNDING CITIES, 



AND 



The United States of America. 



Page 21. "How President Illinois came to be elected, we suppose was in 
this wise:" " He was a great Svjorfhman, having been taught the art of fenc- 
ing by his Unch Sain, Americus." 

Page 41. "And the prospect of his ro-election was quite good, as thousaiid.s 
upon thousands of office-holders would work to bring this about." " But the 
disati'ected and ' Reformers ' looked about for an opponent to him, and finally 
selected Hon. Mr. Tribune, whose whole life had been a labor of love for the 
human race, as their standard bearer." 



FOB^ SALE AT AGENTS: No. U9 Coates Street Phila. 
Price 20 Cents. 



Entered accordiug to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by J. WESLEY CLARK. 
I n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



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